“Were you at Vauxhall Gardens?” Seth asked eagerly.
Rose nodded. “They tied us up in the back of a coach and took us there. We were to be released upon the retrieval of the money. But, instead, they inspected the sack in the coach and found it empty, and immediately took us back to St. Giles. That was the only time there was any real violence.”
Leo turned and showed what remained of a bruise on his cheek. “Elton was not happy with you at all.”
“I can imagine, for he told us he’d murdered you.”
Rose and Leo looked at each other, a flash of guilt on each of their faces.
“He was a terror. However, Elton’s men were not near as awful as he, and they did not mistreat us. At times, they even kept us together.”
“Which surely pleased you,” Seth said. He meant to jest, but the atmosphere in the room changed as Rose and Leo glanced at one another, the worry evident in their faces.
“Has Winnie told you about our discovery?”
Rose could not look him in the eyes at all. Instead, she stared down at the floor as her face colored red. Leo, on the other hand, cleared his throat and stepped anxiously from one foot to the other as he looked at his friend.
“She has told us that you read our letters to aid your investigation. I cannot say that I am thrilled about this, but I can also not rebuke you for it, for eventually, it did lead to our recovery. And I certainly would’ve done the same thing.”
Seth let out a breath of relief.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Rose and I.” Leo started. Seth shook his head right away.
“No, I am sorry that you felt you could not confide in me. I am your friend. You should have felt as though you could tell me anything. But I was trapped in my mind, held captive by my grief over the death of my brother and my guilt on the matter. One day, I will tell you everything but for now, let me say this—I am sorry that I didn’t make it clear I was not concerned about your social standing. All I want is for you to be happy, for Rose to be happy. That is all.”
“Oh, Seth. I wish we had talked about David more,” Rose lamented. “I wish I had understood you better. I didn’t comprehend just how rejected you felt by our father. I knew he spent so much time with Cedric, and I knew that it bothered you, but I never appreciated just how much rejection you experienced at his hands. From now on, let us be open with one another. Let us not keep secrets.”
“I am in full agreement. The four of us and Victoria, we are the only family we have, aside from our cousin and your aunt and uncle—whom you likely will never see again. We must act as a family.”
“We are in concurrence on the matter,” Leo smiled broadly. “And when you are better, there is something I wish to talk to you about, pertaining to exactly this subject at hand. Family.” He reached for Rose’s hand, and she beamed at him.
“I have a good idea what you wish to speak to me about. We need not wait until I am better. I will gladly give my consent if it is what Rose wants.”
He knew from how Rose and Leo looked at one another that they had already discussed this matter. It did not greatly surprise him, for they had spent several weeks locked away with each other.
“It is,” Rose exclaimed. “Now more than ever.”
Winnifred, still seated beside him on the bed, grinned at her brother, clearly delighted.
“Oh Rose, how wonderful it will be to have you as a sister. I only hope that you do not mind your little barking nephew, Pugsley.”
Rose giggled. “Well, now that you have brought it up, perhaps I have to rethink my decision.”
A light chuckle sounded from the room as the atmosphere lifted, and a sense of peace settled upon the occupants.
“Where is Victoria, anyhow?” Seth asked.
“She and Pugsley accompanied Frances and Helena to the magistrate’s office. After Elton shot you, the Runners finally charged forth and apprehended him. Frances was escorted away for questioning, but Mr. Markham had gone with her to act on her behalf. It turns out her uncle arranged the marriage between her and Elton against her wishes. Then Elton and the uncle usurped Frances’ father, and then Elton turned on the uncle and killed him. Quite the story. I venture to say Ann Radcliff could not write a more intriguing novel.”
“Uncles…” Leo groaned and shook his head. “Who would’ve known that ours was quite so terrible?”
“He will receive his just punishment, do not fret. I have made sure of it.” Winnifred said.
Seth could not help but feel an immense sense of pride as he looked at Winnifred.
What a strong woman she is, what a guiding light in my life she has become.
Suddenly, he knew exactly what he had to do next. He cleared his throat and looked at Leo and Rose.
